Automatic Toilet Lid Closure Using Float-Triggered Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toilets often remain open after use, posing safety and sanitation risks, especially for children and pets, and lacking aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A toilet closure system comprising a plunger sub-assembly, trigger sub-assembly, and float sub-assembly that automatically ensures the toilet seat and lid remain closed except during use, using a spring mechanism and ribbon cord to adjust and operate without requiring specialized tools or knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an automatic toilet closure system is installed, then safety and sanitation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into three separate sub-assemblies: a plunger sub-assembly that provides the closing force, a trigger sub-assembly that detects flush conditions, and a float sub-assembly that responds to water level changes. Each sub-assembly performs a specific function, making the overall system more manageable and easier to install despite its complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermediary components such as ribbon cords that connect the float sub-assembly to the trigger sub-assembly, and the trigger arm that mediates between the float movement and the plunger activation. These intermediaries translate water level changes into mechanical closing actions without requiring direct complex mechanisms.
2Reliability
If an automatic closure mechanism is added, then sanitation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The toilet closure system operates automatically without requiring user intervention. The float sub-assembly self-activates the closing mechanism by responding to water level changes during flushing, and the plunger sub-assembly automatically pushes the seat and lid closed without needing manual operation or complex controls.
3Ease of manufacture
If a conventional flush mechanism is used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but automatic closure function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conventional flush mechanism with the automatic closure system by integrating the float sub-assembly with the existing flush tank and the trigger sub-assembly with the plunger mechanism. This combination allows the toilet to maintain its simple conventional appearance and manufacturing process while adding automatic closure functionality through the integrated sub-assemblies.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively prevents accidents and maintains sanitation by keeping the toilet closed, enhancing safety and aesthetics while being easy to install and operate.
Implementation Method 1
using a spring mechanism and ribbon cord to adjust and operate
Implementation Method 2
float sub-assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A toilet closure system and a method of installing the same are provided. The closure system is adapted to mount to a typical conventional toilet having a conventional seat and lid, a conventional tank, and a conventional flush mechanism. The toilet closure system ensures that the seat and lid of a toilet is always closed, and is never left open for any reason, except during use. Further, the installation process can be achieved with a minimum of tools, and does not require specialized mechanical knowledge or plumbing knowledge.